Fleshing pole



y 1960 D. R. BROSSARD, SR 2,938,370

FLESHING POLE Filed April 9, 1958 INVENTOR.

DEbZIL R. BROS$ARD,SR.

nited States Patent FLESHING POLE Denzil R. Brossard, Sr., 3507 51st Ave. N.,

Minneapolis,

Filed Apr. 9, 1958, Ser. No. 727,489

5 Claims. (Cl. 69-19) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in fleshing poles, and more particularly to a fleshing pole that has a hard smooth surface that will not deteriorate or crack under prolonged usage and extreme wear.

Fleshing poles are used for the purpose of removing flesh from the hides of small fur bearing animals, particularly mink. The animal is first eviscerated or skinned and the hide is then stretched over the fleshing pole with the interior surface of the hide exposed or facing outwardly from the pole. Organic fat or flesh substances which adhere to the skin after evisceration are then scraped off and removed from the hide either manually by a knife or scraper, or mechanically by a device which passes a vibratory scraper along the exposed surface of the hide. The manner or means of removing fats and other organic substances from the hide is not a part of this invention.

Heretofore fleshing poles and particularly mink fleshing poles have been constructed of wood, and after successive usage the surface of the pole cracks and chips and the pole must be discarded to prevent damage to subsequent hides or pelts to be fleshed. Present fleshing poles are unsatisfactory as they tend to absorb organic juices and the like, which flow from the hide during the fleshing process, and as a result the poles begin to crack, peel or chip making replacements necessary at frequent intervals. Also, the mink fleshing operation is often car ried on out of doors in sub-freezing temperatures of intemperate climates and present poles often prove unsatisfactory when operating under these conditions in that the climatic environment produces cracks and other irregularities on the surface of the pole.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a new and useful ileshing pole that will not crack, peel or chip even under the most rigorous operating conditions.

A further object of this invention is to provide a new and useful fieshing pole that has an exceptionally hard surface resistent to deterioration under constant usage and to climatic changes.

A still further object of this invention resides in the specific structural details of the fleshing pole, including a hard smooth exterior surface comprising a reinforcing fabric impregnated by a thermosetting resin and means for supporting the pole for the fleshing operation.

Other and further objects of the invention are those inherent and apparent in the apparatus as described, pictured and claimed.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, this invention then comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, but these are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.

.f; invention will be described with referenceto the 2,938,370 Patented May 31, 1960 several figures of the drawings and which corresponding numerals refer to the same parts and in which:

Figure 1 comprises aside elevational view'of the fleshing pole partially in section and partially broken away;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, but also showing a vertical sectional view of the base block and stud for supporting and mounting the large end of the pole;

Figure 3 shows a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing the forward base block and mounting stud there- 1n;

Figure 4 is a side elevational view showing the instant invention mounted in the frame of a mechanical fleshing apparatus; and

Figure 5 shows a side elevational view of a modified form of the invention.

With reference now to the drawings and particularly to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a hollow conical shaped fleshing pole generally designated 10. This particular shape of pole 10 allows various sizes of hides or pelts of :both male and female mink or other similar animals to be placed over the exterior surface thereof. Thehides are secured to the pole by straps or other suitable means, not shown in the drawings, with the interior surface of the hide facing outwardly. Pole 10- comprises a series of stratified or laminated resinous layers, hereinafter referred to as the interior layer 11, center layer -12 and exterior layer 13, respectively. These stratified layers form a laminated fleshing pole with a substantially hollow interior, as can best be seen with reference to Figure 2. The stratifications or layers 11 and 13 form the internal and external surfaces, respectively, of hollow pole 10. Internal layer 11 and exterior layer 13 are composed of a thin layer of synthetic resinous material formed over the inner and outer surfaces of center layer 12 as hereinafter explained. Layer 13 forms the smooth exterior surface of pole 10 over which the hide is positioned. The center layer or stratum 12 comprises essentially a fabric reinforcing material or filler 14 such as flat woven fabric, circular knit fabric, ribbed stockinet, or glass cloth. The fabric 14- is bonded together by a synthetic resin poured and absorbed into fabric 14 to form layer 12. The resin impregnates the fibers of the fabric and forms reinforced pillars in the center layer 12 thus producing a pole of very high mechanical strength and rigidity. A suflicient amount of bonding resin is applied to fabric 14 so that all of it is not impregnated therein, some of it seeping along both the inner and outer surfaces thereof to form layers 11 and 13 resulting in a pole having a reinforcing layer 12 laminated between thin smooth resinous layers.

Thermosetting resins are best suited to bond the fabric materials and form layers 11 and 13 because of their rough and durable composition. Any type of thermosetting resin such as phenolic resins, epoxy resins or polyester resins may be used; however, polyester resins have proven to be highly satisfactory in the instant invention.

Pole 10 is constructed by forming layers 11, 12 and 13 concentrically around the smooth surface of a mold or model of wood or the like, not shown in the drawings, and which has the same configuration as the inner surface of hollow pole 10. First a sheet of polyvinyl alcohol not shown in the drawings is formed in the shape of an elongated bag stretched entirely over the model and tied at the large end thereof. The bag of polyvinyl alcohol is left open at the small end of the model and tightly stretched over the entire surface thereof. To eliminate wrinkles, a damp sponge or cloth is rubbed over its outer surface so that the polyvinyl alcohol film adheres smoothly to the surface of the model without attendant wrinkles or other uneven surfaces.

Next, the reinforcing fabric 14, forming in part the center layer 12, is placed in successive. stratums of any de' 3. sirable number over the polyvinyl bag. Hand smoothing may be necessary so that the fabric 14 will lie perfectly smooth and follow the contours of the model, thus forming a base for theexterior layer 13. Hand smoothing is especially necessary if fiat woven fabric is used as a reinforcing fabric. Ribbed stockinet has proved highly successful in constructing the instant invention as it stretches. evenly and smoothly both'longitudinally and circumferentially over the model. Each individual stratum of fabric 14 is suitably secured to both ends of the model so that they are stretched tightly thereover.

l A second sheet of polyvinyl alcohol is then formed into the contours of an outer elongated bag similar to the bag hereinaboye described. This second sheet is stretched over the exterior surface of the reinforcing fabric 14 and tied to the large end of the model in any suitable manner. 'lhe'second polyvinyl alcohol sheeting forming the outer bag is fanned outwardly from the small end of the pole forming a concentric or funnel configuration, not shown in 'the drawings. This concentric configuration forms a funnel into which the bonding thermosetting resin, in liquid state, is poured after the model has been placed with its longitudinal axis in a vertical position. While pouring the resin is Worked between fabric 14 and the outer polyvinyl bag so that it is spread uniformly throughout the stratums of fabric 14 and absorbed and impregnated therein. A suflicient amount of resin is poured so that some of the resin remains on the outer surface of fabric 14 to form the thin exterior resin layer 13 and some of it seeps through fabric 14 to the inner surface thereof forming the interior resin layer 11 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Layers 11 and 13 are formed between the inner and outer surfaces of fabric 14 and the inner and outer polyvinyl bags respectively.

To allow removal of any air pockets that may form between fabric 14 and the outer polyvinyl bag, small perforations may be placed within the polyvinyl film at the large end of the model or mold. As the resin is worked and impregnated into the fabric 14, the air is forced out the perforations, as can readily be understood. After the resin has been poured, the concentric fanned ends of the polyvinyl bag are drawn together toward the longitudinal axes at the small end of the model and suitably tied together. Once the resin hardens, the reinforcing fabric 14 is bonded together by the thermosetting resin forming center layer 12 which is extremely durable and of high mechanical strength. Layer 12 is sandwiched between the thin resinous layers 11 and 13 and pole is completely formed over the surface of the mold. or model.

The tied ends of fabric'14 and the polyvinyl bags secured to the large end of the model are then cut off flush with the said end of the model. The model is then removed by striking the small end of pole 10 with a ham- 'mer or other suitable instrument so that the model slides 'out leaving hollow pole 10 substantially as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The polyvinyl film forming the inner bag forms a smooth frictionless surface between the pole 10 and the model so that the latter will easily slide out when struck at the small end. The two polyvinyl bags are then removed from the surfaces of the pole and discarded.

tapered along the peripheral edge thereof and the ends suitable material is then fashioned to fit securely and tically with the small end up and thermosetting resin is I poured in through the opening formed at the small end soas to permanently, bond. block '15.to layer 11 at the of layers 11, 12 and 13 are dove-tailed thereover and extend inwardly so that they terminate radially about the longitudinal axis of pole 10, as shown in Figure 3.

Next, pole 10 is positioned vertically so that it rests upon block 16, and after sealing block 16 to the tapered ends of layers 11,12 and 13 with-atemporary sealer in the manner explained with reference to block 15, a sufficient amount of thermosetting resin is poured through the aperture of block 15 to securely bond forward block 16 to the inner surface of layer 11. Block 16' is thus rigidly-positioned at the small end of pole 10 and an aperture is drilled through its center to receive a forward stud 17. Collar or ring 18 is welded or otherwise suitably secured to the outer portion of stud 17 forming a base onto which rubber washer 19 is seated, as shown in Figure 3. Likewise, a base stud 20 is inserted through the aperture at the center of base block 15, as shown in Figure 2. The inner ends of studs 17 and 20 may be threaded with male threads to engage complementary femalerthreads' in the respective apertures of blocks 15 and 16. It is readily seen that the length of extension of studs 17 and 20 from their respective ends of pole 10 may be increased or decreased by rotating the studs within the threaded apertures of their respective blocks 16 and 15.. Alternate means of securing studs 17 and 20 to blocks 16 and 15, respectively, may be used providing some horizontal adjustment is allowed the studs along the longitudinal axis of pole 10.

v A wood screw 21 is inserted into the tapered portion of the outwardly facing end of block 16 at an angle of approximately 45 with relation to the longitudinal axis of the pole 10, as best shown in Figure 3. Screw 21 acts as a hook means to secure the head of the eviscerated vanimal so that the hide may be stretched rearwardly 1over pole 10 in the direction of the large end of the po e.

. Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a frame 25 which secures the pole 10 in position so that a mechanical fiesher, not shown in the drawings, may be drawn horizontally along the frame 25 and parallel with pole 10.- Frame 25 has a bifurcated supporting member 26 into which stud 17 is seated. Upright arm 28 of frame 25seats stud 20 in any desirable manner for positioning the large end of pole 10. Stud 20 is then adjusted by rotating itwithin the threads of the aperture of block 15 so that it will move block 10 rightwardly with respect to Figure 4, and thus force washer 19 tightly against bifurcated member 26 to rigidly seat pole 10 onto the frame 25.. The frame 25 or any of its component parts do not form a part of this invention.

The eviscerated animal is placed over pole 10 by hooking the head onto screw 21 and stretching the hide toward the larger end of pole 10 and securing it thereto by straps or other suitable means. The fleshing operation may then be commenced. The conical shape of pole 10 allows it tobe universally adapted to receive both male and female hides of various sizes and shapes, the larger hides being stretched further toward the larger end of the pole.

. A modification of the instant invention is shown in Figure 5 wherein stud 20 of .pole 10 is seated vertically into aperture 30 of base 31. Stud, 17 and the attached collar 18 and washer 19 may be eliminated entirely in this modification. In the event stud 17 is eliminated, the ends of layers 11, 12 and 13 are dove-tailed over the outer facing surface of block 16 which is left substantially, ina fiat planar configuration as shown in Figure 5.

When pole is seated in block 31, the eviscerated animal is suspended with the tail extending downwardly and then fastened to the pole, as hereinabove explained. When the pole and hide are in this position, the hand fleshing operation is carried out.

As many widely differing embodiments of this invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the specific embodiments described are given by way of example only and the invention is limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

What is claimed:

l. A mink fleshing apparatus comprising in combination, an elongated hollow pole, one end of said pole being of substantially smaller diameter than the opposite end, said pole being composed of a fabric reinforcing element impregnated by a thermosetting resin, said reinforcing element being laminated between a pair of coextensive resinous film members, a pair of cylindrcal members, one positioned and integrally joined to the inwardly facing surface of said hollow pole at each end thereof for reinforcing said ends, engaging means positioned in the center of at least one of said cylindrical members for seating said pole in frame means and hook means positioned at the said end of smaller diameter and extending outwardly therefrom for securing hides to be stretched over said pole.

2. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said thermosetting resin comprises a polyester resin.

3. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said engaging means comprises a threaded stud adjustably secured within an aperture in said cylindrical members for limited movement parallel with the longitudinal axis of said pole.

4. The structure of claim 3 further characterized in that said stud comprises collar means radially positioned on said stud in spaced relation to the outer end thereof for seating washer means against the outer facing surface of said collar means.

5. A mink fleshing apparatus comprising in combination, an elongated hollow pole, one end of said pole being of substantially smaller diameter than the opposite end, said pole being composed of a fabric reinforcing element impregnated by polyester resin, said reinforcing element being laminated between a pair of co-extensive resinous film members, a pair of cylindrical members, one positioned and integrally joined to the inwardly facing surface of said hollow pole at each end thereof for reinforcing said ends, engaging studs secured within an aperture at the center of each of said cylindrical members and extending outwardly therefrom for seating said pole in frame means, said studs being adjustable for limited movement parallel with the longitudinal axis of said pole, and one of said studs having collar means radially positioned on said stud in spaced relation to the outer end thereof for seating a washer against the outer facing surface of said collar means, and hook means positioned at the said end of smaller diameter and extending outwardly therefrom for securing hides to be stretched over said pole.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,721,043 Meretey Oct. 18, 1955 2,765,129 Dunlap Oct. 2, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 440,090 Italy Oct. 6, 1948 467,393 Germany Oct. 24, 1928 

